GA/R: Fire Service leads fire prevention campaign at Madina market

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) held a fire prevention campaign at Madina Market on Tuesday. This initiative aimed to raise public awareness and reduce fire risks in commercial areas. Key stakeholders participated, including Regional Fire Officer ACFOI Rashid Kwame Nisawu and Madina Market Queen Madam Esi Yeboah.

The campaign was themed "Prevention is Our Priority." It focused on educating traders, transport operators, and market users about fire safety protocols. The goal was to promote emergency preparedness and collective action against fire hazards.

During the session, ACFOI Rashid Kwame Nisawu emphasized collaboration in fire prevention. He highlighted the market's economic importance and its high risk for fires due to dense activity. “Fire safety is a shared responsibility,” he stated.

He also addressed a misconception that the Fire Service arrives without water. “Every fire tender is fully equipped with water,” he clarified. However, access issues or delayed water supply can occur due to external factors.

Accessibility during emergencies was another concern raised in the discussion. Traders noted that poor planning and unauthorized structures hinder emergency response efforts. The Regional Fire Officer agreed, stating that blocked access delays response times.

To address this issue, the Assembly will work with market authorities to create clear emergency routes. They will also enforce bylaws to prevent obstructions in critical paths.

Another major topic was illegal electrical connections causing fires in markets nationwide. The Fire Service reported many recent fires stemmed from faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Madam Esi Yeboah urged traders to hire certified electricians and report unsafe setups.

She stressed the need for proper wiring and maintenance among traders. Additionally, both Assembly members acknowledged issues with functional fire hydrants around the market.

Many hydrants are damaged or inaccessible due to encroachments. The GNFS called for mapping all hydrant locations and ensuring regular servicing of existing ones.

“A fire hydrant is a lifeline during an emergency,” said the Fire Officer. Proper access to water can prevent catastrophic fires.

As part of the campaign, GNFS personnel demonstrated how to use fire extinguishers effectively during initial outbreaks. They distributed educational materials on fire safety and evacuation procedures throughout the market.

The GNFS plans routine fire risk assessments and unannounced inspections moving forward. Participants praised this initiative as timely and necessary for community safety.

Traders expressed a renewed sense of responsibility towards fire safety measures. In her closing remarks, Madam Esi Yeboah called for unity: “Safety is everyone's responsibility.”

With this event's success, GNFS aims to replicate similar campaigns across other Greater Accra markets as part of its national strategy for public safety.